Darren Couch, owner of Elite Construction & Fabrication located in Antlers, was selected as the recipient of the 2012 Oklahoma Entrepreneurial Success Award.

This award is presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and recognizes business leaders in the community who began as a small business and later developed into a larger business. Such growth equates to more jobs and an improved local economy.

Darren Couch, owner of Elite Construction & Fabrication located in Antlers, was selected as the recipient of the 2012 Oklahoma Entrepreneurial Success Award.

This award is presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and recognizes business leaders in the community who began as a small business and later developed into a larger business. Such growth equates to more jobs and an improved local economy.

In order to be eligible for the award, the business must have received some assistance from the Small Business Administration. SBA’S assistance may be in the form of loan dollars for start-up or expansion or it could be technical assistance such as web design or other marketing strategies.

Elite Construction & Fabrication has exhibited staying power with a substantiated history of an established business that includes sustained expansion and steady growth including increased net worth. Elite Construction & Fabrication has exhibited growth in the number of employees as well as growth in their products.

SBA looks for entrepreneurs that have responded to adversity and overcome barriers, have a unique product, and who have made contributions to the community. Mr. Couch accepted his award during a special awards luncheon In Oklahoma City which took place on Thursday, May 3, 2012.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce arranged to have winners pose for photos with Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor, Todd Lamb. Oklahoma Small Business Administration District Director, Dorothy Overal, congratulated Mr. Couch on this accomplishment stating “Your success is a direct reflection of your hard work and creativity in driving our nation’s economic growth.”

Mr. Couch was nominated for this award by Stacie Pace, Director of Little Dixie Community Action Agency’s PRIME (Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs) Initiative. Elite Construction and Fabrication is an Oklahoma grown company that serves the North American energy and mining industries. They currently employ 220 individuals in addition to field crews that operate regionally and nationally. Work crews are based in Texas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Minnesota, West Virginia and Oklahoma.

Brenda Needham, Executive Director of Little Dixie Community Action Agency, stated: “Little Dixie is proud to have had the opportunity through our partnership with SBA to work with Mr. Couch and assist him with his business needs. On behalf of the agency, I commend him and his staff for their hard work and wish him continued success. He is doing a great service for our communities, providing jobs, especially in these tough economic times.”